Connect Summit 2025

Summit Objectives:

• Equipping Graduates for Ethical Leadership
• Encouraging Active Involvement in the Ministry.
• Promoting Mentorship and Lifelong Learning
• Fostering Marketplace Evangelism
• Facilitating Career Development and Job Placement

Session 1 Building a Generation of Integral Professionals

Speaker: John Ng'ang'a
Topic: Integrity for the Christian Professional
Key Scripture: Psalm 15
Core Metaphor: The Christian as "Salt" in the workplace.

I. Introduction: Defining the Christian Professional

• The Meaning of "Professional": The speaker begins by defining a "professional" in a broad sense: "somebody who is using his skill to earn his daily bread." This definition is intentionally inclusive of all recent graduates entering the workforce.

• Speaker's Credibility: He has been a professional for nearly 50 years and has written extensively on the subject.

• The "Call" of God: A central theme is that one can serve God both inside the church (as a pastor) and outside the church (in the marketplace).

  • The majority of Christians are called to serve God outside the church, in their respective careers.

  • The question is not if you will be a minister, but what kind of minister you will be in your chosen career.

• Recommended Books by the Speaker:

  1. The Christian Professional: Living in the Marketplace - Addresses the misconception that only pastors have "answered the call."

  2. The Christian Work Ethic - Explores the differentiating factors between a Christian's work and a non-Christian's work.

  3. A Leader as a Steward - Posits that professional skills are gifts from God, and we are stewards who will be held accountable for how we use them.

  4. Integrity: The Litmus Test of Good Leadership - This book forms the basis for the rest of the sermon.

II. The Problem: Corruption and the Role of the Christian 

• The Mission: To build a generation of Christian professionals with integrity who can be an effective solution to corruption in the nation (referencing Kenya's high ranking in corruption by Transparency International).

• The Dual Responsibility:

  1. You must have personal integrity.

  2. You must be an agent of change in a corrupt industry.

• Metaphor: The Christian as Salt: Jesus called us the "salt of the earth."

  1. Salt Adds Taste: A Christian, even as a minority in a company, can change the "taste" (culture) of their department or industry. A little salt makes a big difference.

  2. Salt Preserves: Salt prevents decay. A Christian professional in an industry should prevent it from deteriorating further; they stop the "rot."

  3. Salt Heals: Salt is used to clean and heal wounds. A Christian professional is meant to bring healing to broken and corrupt systems.

III. The Challenge of Compromise: Real-World Examples 

• The speaker notes that many graduates from Christian Unions fail to make a difference and instead conform to the world's standards. He provides two powerful anecdotes from his time as a manager at Shell.

• Anecdote 1: The CU Chairman and the Engineer Interview

  • Scenario: An applicant, a former CU Chairman, is asked a hypothetical question about integrity.

  • The Question: "If you found that Shell saves millions by filing incorrect reports to the KRA (Revenue Authority), and you were put in charge, would you correct the report (costing the company millions) or continue the practice?"

  • The Applicant's Answer: After hesitating, he said he would "continue the same way" to save the company money, presumably to secure the job.

  • The Outcome: He was not given the job. Even non-Christian managers recognized him as a liar (his actions didn't match his Christian claims) and therefore untrustworthy.

• Anecdote 2: The Accountant and the Bible Study Hobby

  • Scenario: An applicant listed "Bible study" as a hobby on her CV.

  • The Question: "Would that Christianity affect your work?"

  • The Applicant's Answer: Fearing it would cost her the job, she replied, "No, no, no, sir. My Christianity is personal and private. It will not going to affect my work."

  • The Outcome: This was a failure. True Christianity must affect one's work. Her answer showed a willingness to compartmentalize and compromise her faith.

IV. A Practical Test: Self-Examination Questions on Integrity 

The speaker poses a series of questions to force personal reflection on everyday integrity.

1. Sugar: Do you put more sugar in your tea in a hotel than at home? (If yes, you are a corrupt person).

2. Tissue: Do you use more tissue in a public washroom than at home? (If yes, you are a "potential thief minus opportunity").

3. Food: Do you serve yourself more food than you can finish when someone else is paying? (If yes, you are not integral, you are greedy).

4. Queues: Do you jump queues or use connections to get ahead? (If yes, you have potential for abusing office).

5. Names: Are you more concerned with someone's surname than their first name, trying to determine their tribe? (If yes, you are likely a "tribal bigot").

6. Traffic: Do you overlap in traffic or get excited when your matatu breaks the rules to get you there faster? (If yes, you hate regulation and would embezzle public funds if given the chance).

7. Waste: Do you channel your wastewater to your neighbor's compound? (Reflects a lack of personal responsibility).

8. Reaction: Is your reaction to these questions, "What is wrong with this man?" (If so, you are dishonest and would easily cover up societal ills for your own benefit).

V. The Biblical Standard for Integrity: An Exposition of Psalm 15 

Psalm 15 answers the question: "Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?" (i.e., Who is a candidate for heaven?). The answer is the person of integrity.

• He is Blameless: Lives in such a way that others cannot find a basis for defaming them. They work for perfection, not for blaming others.

• He Does What is Righteous: Righteousness sets the standard at God's level, which is higher than any company's policy.

• He Speaks the Truth from His Heart: This is different from speaking truth from the mind (calculating the response based on what the other person wants to hear). It is telling the objective truth regardless of personal consequences.

• His Tongue Utters No Slander: He does not defame others. The speaker warns against "slanderous prayer meetings" where people share damaging "requests." (Anecdote of the man giving his sister-in-law a ride).

• He Does No Wrong to His Neighbor: He is a team player who covers his colleagues' backs and ensures the team succeeds.

• He Casts No Slur on Others: This is more subtle than slander; it involves implying something is wrong with someone without making a direct accusation.

• He Despises a Vile Person: He calls evil, evil. He is not "politically correct" or "understanding" of sin. A Christian with integrity is often a whistleblower, not a collaborator.

• He Honors Those Who Fear the Lord: He associates with and respects righteous people. (Motto: "With non-Christians, you evangelize; with Christians, you socialize").

• He Keeps His Oath, Even When It Hurts: This is a critical mark of integrity. A promise is a promise, even if keeping it brings personal loss or inconvenience. You are a prisoner of your promise unless the person you promised releases you.

• He Lends to the Poor Without Interest: He uses his resources to help those less fortunate.

• He Does Not Accept a Bribe: This includes not soliciting, not giving, and not accepting bribes. Any "gift" received because of your professional position belongs to the company, not to you. Keeping it is corruption.

VI. Conclusion: The Source of Strength for Integrity 

• Dilemmas in the Workplace:

  • What if you are hated for your stand?

  • What if your bosses are corrupt and you fear for your job?

• The Ultimate Foundation for Integrity: Trust in God's sovereignty.

  • If God gave you the job, no manager can remove you until God allows it.

  • Promotion comes from the Lord, not from man. Do not compromise for a promotion.

• Concluding Anecdote:

  • The speaker shares how a boss wanted him fired for his uncompromising standards. The speaker told his wife, "The Lord intends to look after us, but not through Shell."

  • A few months later, it was the boss who was removed, not the speaker.

  • Decades later (just this week), a contractor he worked with called him to thank him for the standards of integrity he taught them, which their company still follows. 

Session 2: PANEL SESSION

Overall Summary & Key Themes

The session focused on career progression for young professionals, emphasizing the integration of faith, integrity, and strategic action. The key themes were:

• Divine Guidance & Purpose: Viewing one's career as a journey shaped by God, where every role, even seemingly unrelated ones, contributes to a larger purpose.
• Personal Branding & Reputation: The critical importance of consciously building and managing your professional image, both online and through your work ethic.
• Strategic Action: The need for intentional effort in networking, CV writing, skill development, and interview preparation.
• Excellence & Consistency: The idea that consistent, high-quality work is non-negotiable and the ultimate foundation for career growth.
• Integrity in Practice: Facing real-world ethical challenges and making principled decisions, whether in corporate roles or as an entrepreneur.

Key Highlights by Each  by Speaker

1. Kiuna Konye (HR Professional, Royal Media Services)

Core Philosophy: "God's Workmanship"

• Views his career through the lens of Ephesians 2:10, believing God shapes individuals for works prepared in advance.

• His diverse career path (ministry at FOCUS to HR at RMS) wasn't a backslide but a journey where God wove different "threads" (skills) together.

• The unique combination of skills he gained (training, project management, mentorship) made him the ideal candidate for a role that the company had struggled to fill.

On CVs & Getting an Interview:

Your CV is an advertising tool. It speaks for you before you can

1. Content

Align with the Job Description: Customize your CV for every single application. Don't dump your entire history

Focus on Accomplishments, Not Duties: Use action verbs ("managed," "coordinated," "led"). Don't just copy-paste duties from a job description.

Use Data & Metrics: Quantify your achievements (e.g., "trained 20 people," "organized a conference for 500 attendees," "managed a budget of X").

Translate Experience: Convert experience from volunteer roles (like church or student leadership) into professional skills (e.g., event planning, logistics, budgeting).

2. Presentation:

Get it Proofread: Typos are inexcusable and show a lack of seriousness. Have someone else review your CV.

3. ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Compliance:

• Avoid Graphics & Photos: Systems can't read them, and they can introduce interviewer bias.
• Use Keywords: Weave keywords from the  job description into your CV to pass through the initial automated filter.
• Use a Strong Professional Summary: This is your 30-second "elevator pitch" at the top of your CV, summarizing your skills, accomplishments, and value.

On Climbing the Corporate Ladder:

• Develop Expertise: Align your training and certifications to a specific career path to show commitment and build mastery (e.g., his Higher Diploma in HR and IHRM membership).
• Be Curious: Continuously learn and don't get stuck in your defined role. The industry is dynamic.
• Commit to Excellence: Excellence speaks for itself and gets you noticed in decision-making circles.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Show initiative, solve problems, and contribute to the organization's bottom line.

On Lowest Moments & Integrity (The "Glory Question"):

• His lowest moment was feeling overlooked for promotion at FOCUS despite his hard work.

• A moment of divine perspective (reflecting on 1 Peter 5:10) helped him redefine success and realize God was building character in him.

• Key Lesson: Settle the "glory question" early in your career. Ground your identity in something deeper than positions or praise.

2. Francis Wachira (Experienced Professional, multiple sectors)

Core Philosophy: Consistency & Identity

• Consistency is Key: Can you be counted on to deliver what you promise?
• Your Absence Should Be Noticed: If your absence isn't felt, your presence is not valuable.
• Identity: His driving force is his identity in God, not in external factors like job titles, salary, or possessions. His motto: "One life, one purpose, one audience (God)."

On Interviews & Work Ethic:

• Listen in Interviews: Don't just talk. Listen to what the panelists are really looking for beyond the  job description. This allows you to position yourself as the solution.

• Go Beyond the job description: Understand what is actually expected versus what is just written down.

• Stewardship: The small choices matter. If you jump a queue for service, you could become abusive when you get power.

On Personal Branding & Networking:

• Take Charge of Your Image: If you don't define your brand, someone else will.

• Be Good at What You Do: Your reputation precedes you. A former colleague was consulted during his interview to vouch for his work ethic.

• Network Strategically:

  • It's not just who you know, but who knows you.

  • Attend conferences and events in your field. FOCUS itself is a "powerhouse" of contacts.

  • Invest in networking, even if it costs time and money. Ask a potential mentor for coffee.

  • Networking helps you get to the interview panel, which is often the biggest hurdle (he cited a role with 7,200 applicants).

On Lowest Moments:

• His lowest moments were times he was out of work and felt he wasn't being "meaningfully engaged" or using his gifts and talents.

3. Eric (Entrepreneur, Daily Delicacies)

Journey into Entrepreneurship:

• Transitioned from a geology degree to employment (procurement/finance) and then to full-time entrepreneurship in baking.

• Started his business part-time, building it for two years before leaving employment.

• The business grew from just him to employing 12 people, shifting his role from "baker" to "manager."

• He continues to pursue other passions like tech and software development.

Advice on Business Sustainability:

1. Don't Rush for Profit: Focus on surviving and building trust for at least the first year.

2. Use "Free" to Build Trust: Giving away free samples (like his cakes) or offering free trials is a powerful marketing strategy to get customers hooked before you charge.

3. MASTER the Technical Skill Yourself: To avoid being disappointed or cheated by employees, you must know how to do every part of your business. He can run the entire bakery himself if needed.

4. You Set the Standards: Don't let employees dictate recipes or processes. As the owner, you develop the systems.

5. Monitor Your Business: Use systems like daily reports to track finances and stock, even when you aren't physically present.

On Integrity & Dealing with Compromise:

• He was confronted by officials (with police) demanding a bribe.

• He refused to pay, choosing the difficult but correct path of having his staff taken to the station and then sorting out the licenses officially.

• Proactive Solution: He now applies for all his permits and licenses himself through official government channels (e.g., Nairobi Pay) to avoid corrupt intermediaries.

Session Three: Mental resilience and ethical leadership - Thriving under pressure

Speaker: Pastor Simon Kande - National Director FOCUS Kenya.

Overall Summary & Key Themes

This session focused on preparing young graduates for a long, effective, and resilient career journey, grounded in Christian faith. The speaker used the biblical figures of Daniel and Joseph as models for enduring challenges while maintaining integrity.

The key themes were:

A Theology of Work: Work is a divine calling and a part of God's original design, not a curse. Every Christian is a "full-time minister" in their respective field.

Realistic Expectations: Career success is a long-term process (a marathon, not a sprint). Unrealistic, instant expectations lead to mental distress and burnout.

The Foundation of Resilience: Mental resilience is not accidental. It is built by intentionally understanding your context, your identity in Christ, and your life's purpose.

The "Keeps" of an Enduring Career: To maintain effectiveness and ethical leadership over decades, one must actively "keep" a right attitude, a clear focus, a commitment to excellence, and a good name

Detailed Notes from the Session

I. Introduction & Core Premise

• A Privileged Generation: The speaker expressed "envy" for the current generation of graduates, as they receive forums and preparation for the job market that previous generations did not.

• Principle of Stewardship: "To whom much is given, much is expected." This preparation comes with a higher responsibility to achieve more.

• The Misnomer of "Full-Time Ministry":

  • The speaker rejects the term "full-time ministry" as something reserved for pastors or missionaries.

  • Core Belief: Every Christian is a full-time minister, regardless of their profession (banking, farming, baking, etc.). Your work is your platform for witness.

  • Example: "The cakes should be saved... Whoever tastes the cake, the smile you give, someone should ask, 'Why are you so happy selling cakes to me?' It's because of Jesus."

II. Part 1: Basic Facts About Work & Career (Setting Expectations)

The speaker laid out three facts to mentally prepare graduates for the reality of the workplace.

1. Work is Not a Curse:

   • Based on Genesis 1 & 2, God worked (created) and put Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" before the Fall.

   • Sin made work harder and introduced challenges like joblessness, but work itself is part of God's original, good design.

   • This mindset helps you see difficult tasks as a calling, not a punishment.

2. There are Many Jobless People, but Few Good Workers:

   • This is a key paradox in the job market. While unemployment is high, companies and leaders are constantly searching for truly good, reliable, and excellent workers.

   • The implication: Jobs are available for those who distinguish themselves through their work ethic and quality.

3. Rising in a Career is a Process, Not Instant:

   • This is a direct challenge to the "instant gratification" culture of the digital age.

   • Wanting to be a CEO in six months is an unrealistic expectation that leads to frustration and mental health challenges.

   • The speaker's example: It took him 17 years to become the Executive Director of FOCUS.

   • It is better to be "under-prepared" with expectations and be pleasantly surprised by quick progress than to have high expectations and be constantly frustrated.

III. Part 2: Foundations of Mental Resilience (The "Understandings")

Using Daniel and Joseph as models, the speaker identified three key understandings that build the foundation for long-term mental resilience.

1. Understand Your Context:

   • Daniel was likely prepared for exile in Babylon. He knew its culture of foreign gods and was ready to resist defilement.

   • Application: The workplace is not a Christian fellowship ("not CU"). It can be hostile. You must be prepared for the specific challenges of your field (e.g., danger in KDF, work-life imbalance in IT).

   • Understanding your context helps you anticipate challenges and prepare mentally, so you are not surprised or overwhelmed.

2. Understand Your Identity:

   • Joseph endured betrayal, false accusation, and imprisonment because his identity was rooted in his relationship with God, which he learned from his father, Jacob.

   • Daniel maintained his identity and character through the reigns of four different kings.

   • Application: Know who you are—a child of God. This identity must remain stable even when circumstances, promotions, or challenges change around you.

3. Understand Your Life Purpose:

   • Knowing why God has placed you somewhere gives you the strength to endure immense pressure.

   • If you are sure of your calling, you will hold on even when it's difficult.

   • Application: Sort out your life's purpose early. Your first job may not be your ultimate calling, but you can always work to align your path with that purpose.

IV. Part 3: What You Must Keep (The "Keeps")

These are four essential things to hold onto throughout your career to ensure you are resilient and an ethical leader.

1. Keep the Right Attitude:

   • Key Quote: "You'll be hired for your aptitude, but you'll be fired for your attitude."

   • Your skills get you in the door, but your attitude determines if you stay and thrive.

   • Even when facing setbacks or seeing others promoted ahead of you, maintaining a positive, godly attitude is crucial for resilience.

2. Keep the Focus:

   • The workplace is full of distractions that can pull you away from your primary goals and purpose.

   • Avoid "time wasters" and remain focused on what God has called you to do in that role.

3. Keep a Cutting Edge:

   • Strive for excellence. Be the best among your peers.

   • If you are asked to write a report, let yours be the most thorough and well-written.

   • Consistently performing with excellence builds confidence and prevents the mental toll that comes from being constantly "below average."

4. Keep a Good Name:

   • Quoting Proverbs: "A good name is better than silver and gold."

   • Your name is your reputation. It's what people think of when they hear it (e.g., reliable, dishonest, always late).

   • Daniel's good name was his legacy, known even by a king who had never met him.

   • The Goal: Be known as a Christian who not only has character but also performs and adds value to the organization.

Session Four: Small Group Discussions

THE NAIROBI REGIONS FRESH GRADUATES CONNECT SUMMIT 2025.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What stood out for you in the sessions at the Fresh Graduates' Summit today and what is your take home?

2. Looking back at your time in university/college, what key experiences (academic, leadership, spiritual, or otherwise) do you feel have prepared you—or not prepared you—for the transition into professional life?

3. What are your current fears or uncertainties about the job market? In what ways can you remain grounded in your faith while pursuing career growth and professional success?

4. How can we pray with you today?